2018 Home Internationals - Grand Masters (Over 60)

The 2018 Home International tournament took place at Three Rock Hockey Club, Dublin from Friday 11 to 13 May.

Scotland Grand Masters had claimed second place behind England in Swansea in 2017 but slipped a place in 2018, finishing third behind England and Ireland. They went into the final match against Wales knowing that all that was at stake was the wooden spoon after lacklustre performances in the first two matches. It was a towsy encounter, the Welsh playing in a 'robust' manner which was not discouraged by weak umpiring. Determined not to repeat the poor passing which had resulted in turnovers in the first two matches, the Scots put together nearly twenty passes from the push back before a Welsh player touched the ball. An early goal, and that from a short corner which had not been Scotland's strong point in the Celtic Cup or in the earlier matches in Dublin, settled them, Glenn Paton netting after a well-drilled switch of passes from the injection. The Welsh fought back with hard tackling in midfield and some good running into the circle, but could not overcome the Scottish defence. Scotland were always a threat going forward and Bernie Morrison added two open play goals to put the Scots in command, three up in the second half. Wales finally managed to pull one back but the match ended 3-1 in favour of Scotland, leaving them in third place. In an exciting finale to the tournament, England squeezed past Ireland 2-1 to win the trophy once again.